Tennessee Vols: 2017 Pre-Season SEC Power Rankings

5. Tennessee Volunteers

I’m a little more optimistic than most when it comes to Tennessee. I think they have plenty of talent to contend in the SEC East.

The Vols will be starting a new quarterback in 2017, but I think both of their options to be the starter are better arm talents than Josh Dobbs. Obviously there will be a learning curve, but I think the ceiling of the position will be higher in 2017.

I also think Tennessee will be fine defensively. They lost a lot of talent on defense, but they also dealt with a lot of injuries last season. Dealing with those injuries, to players like Jalen Reeves-Maybin and Cam Sutton, should’ve prepared Tennessee for life without them. I think they’ll be better in 2017 because of those injuries in 2016.

Defensive coordinator Bob Shoop has better assistants to work with as well in 2017. Former Michigan head coach Brady Hoke joined the staff as the defensive line coach, and Charlton Warren came over from North Carolina to coach defensive backs.

The Vols have the talent to be a 10 win team in 2017, but there are going to be some close games that could go either way.